Minh Tran
If you’ve ever attempted a diet, you know it can feel like torture. If you’ve ever forced yourself into a strict exercise routine, you know it can feel like punishment.
That’s the basics of the usual “get fit” narratives.
However, there’s so much more to it than just struggle and sacrifice. In fact, the journey to fitness and health can be incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable if done right.
For some people, it comes more naturally than others, and that’s because they’ve let go of these 8 specific habits.
In this piece, we’ll delve into the less talked about side of fitness- the mindsets and habits that need to change for a truly rewarding journey. After all, health is not just a physical pursuit but also an aspect of mindful self-improvement.
1) All-or-nothing mentality
Fitness and health are as unpredictable as they come.
One day, you’re on top of the world, feeling like you’ve got everything under control. The next, you’re faced with a piece of cake that’s impossible to resist, and your entire plan goes out the window.
It’s a rollercoaster, and for those who adopt an all-or-nothing mentality, it can feel twice as exhausting.
But here’s the thing: Health is not a destination, it’s a journey. There will be ups and downs, moments of strength and moments of weakness. And that’s okay.
The key is to find balance – to understand that one piece of cake doesn’t spell disaster for your fitness goals. It’s what you do consistently over time that matters, not the occasional indulgence.
If you’re stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset, it’s time to say goodbye. Because health and fitness are about balance, not perfection.
Doesn’t that sound a whole lot more sustainable?
2) Skipping meals
Okay, I’m going to confess something. I used to be a chronic meal skipper.
Breakfast was non-existent, lunch was a quick sandwich grabbed on the go, and dinner was usually a heavy meal that left me feeling bloated and guilty. Sound familiar?
It took me a while to realize that this habit was doing more harm than good. I wasn’t giving my body the nutrients it needed to function properly, and then I was overcompensating by eating larger meals later in the day.
When I finally decided to prioritize regular, balanced meals, I felt a significant difference. My energy levels were more stable, I didn’t experience those intense afternoon slumps, and my workouts became more effective.
If you’re in the habit of skipping meals under the guise of saving calories or losing weight, it’s time to reevaluate. Nourishing your body with regular meals is a crucial part of being fit and healthy without feeling deprived.
Trust me, your body will thank you!
3) Neglecting sleep
In our hustle and bustle world, sleep sometimes takes a backseat. All-nighters to meet deadlines, late-night binges of your favorite series, or simply struggling with insomnia – we’ve all been there.
But here’s something worth noting: Your body burns calories even when you’re sleeping. In fact, a good night’s sleep can actually help you lose weight.
During sleep, your body works to restore and rejuvenate many functions such as muscle growth and tissue repair. This process burns calories, and a lack of sleep can disrupt it, contributing to weight gain.
If you’ve been neglecting your z’s in favor of more ‘productive’ activities, it’s time to say goodbye to that habit. Adequate sleep is just as important for your health and fitness goals as diet and exercise.
So tuck in early tonight, your body needs it!
4) Relying on motivation
Raise your hand if you’ve ever waited for the elusive “perfect moment” to start your fitness journey. I’m guessing a lot of hands went up.
Here’s the truth: Motivation is a fickle friend. It’s here one day, gone the next. If you’re waiting for it to stick around consistently, you’ll be waiting forever.
The key to getting fit and healthy is not motivation, but discipline. It’s about making a commitment to yourself and sticking to it, even when you don’t feel like it.
That doesn’t mean pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion or injury, but simply making a conscious effort to move your body regularly and eat balanced meals, regardless of whether the motivation is there or not.
Say goodbye to relying on motivation and say hello to cultivating discipline. Your future self will thank you!
5) Fear of trying new things
I’ll admit, I was once stuck in a fitness rut. I’d go to the gym, do the same workout routine, eat the same meals, and wonder why I wasn’t seeing any changes.
It was only when I stepped out of my comfort zone that I began to see progress. I tried new workouts, explored different cuisines and recipes, and learned to listen to my body’s needs rather than sticking to a rigid routine.
If you’re like how I used to be, clinging to the same old habits and routines, it’s time for a change. Don’t let fear hold you back from exploring new things.
Trying a new fitness class or experimenting with different foods can not only break the monotony but also help you discover what works best for your body.
Trust me, stepping out of your comfort zone can be exhilarating and rewarding in more ways than one!
6) Ignoring rest days
In our quest for fitness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more is always better. More workouts, more intensity, more sweat. But here’s a twist: sometimes, less is more.
Rest days are an essential part of any fitness routine. They give your body a chance to recover, rebuild, and come back stronger. Skipping rest days in the name of progress can actually backfire, leading to fatigue, burnout, and even injuries.
If you’ve been pushing yourself relentlessly without taking time to rest, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Make rest days a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Your body needs time to recover just as much as it needs time to move. Remember, fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you!
7) Neglecting hydration
Water. We all know we need it, but it’s easy to forget just how essential it is, especially when it comes to fitness and health.
Staying properly hydrated can help control your appetite, improve your workouts, and boost your metabolism. Dehydration, on the other hand, can leave you feeling sluggish, hinder your performance, and even trick you into thinking you’re hungry when you’re actually just thirsty.
If you’ve been underestimating the power of hydration, it’s time to make a change. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and make a conscious effort to drink regularly throughout the day.
Remember, your body is made up of about 60% water. It’s a vital part of who we are and how we function. So fill up that water bottle and drink up!
8) Neglecting mental health
Let’s face it, the journey to fitness and health isn’t just about the physical. It’s about the mental and emotional too.
Stress, anxiety, and negative self-talk can all hinder your progress and make the journey more challenging than it needs to be. On the other hand, a positive mindset, self-compassion, and stress-management techniques can do wonders for your overall well-being.
So, if you’ve been focusing solely on your physical health, it’s time to shift gears. Start paying attention to your mental well-being as well.
Remember, fitness and health are about holistic well-being. And that includes the state of your mind as well as your body.
Final reflections
If you’ve made it this far, hopefully, you’ve realized that getting fit and healthy doesn’t have to involve deprivation and struggle.
Because fitness and health are not about punishing yourself. Instead, they’re about understanding your body, respecting its needs, and making choices that serve both your physical and mental well-being.
If you can cultivate this mindset, you’re not just on the path to fitness. You’re on the path to a more fulfilling, balanced, and joyful relationship with your body and yourself.
So, as you embark on or continue your fitness journey, remember to approach it with kindness, balance, and compassion. Not just for your physical health but for your mental health too.
Because fitness is not just about how you look on the outside, it’s about how you feel on the inside. And that’s a journey worth embarking on.
